Holly Willoughby has surprised fans by revealing she is related to βEastEndersβ star Tamzin Outhwaite.
While the pair have often been photographed together, it was believed the pair were just friends, but Holly has claimed they are actually family.
The βThis Morningβ presenter made the revelation as she posted a picture of her Boxing Day celebrations on Instagram.
She shared a snap of her and Tamzin with another family member, writing: βMe and @glamzin and our Nonna Matriarch! In true #eastendersstyle... faaaaamly! Xxx FYI.., @glamzin is my cousin.β
Tamzin also shared a similar photo, writing: βBoxing Day at the Baldwinβs ... family tradition .... nanny Lina the oldest member at 87 and @hollywilloughby.β
Hollyβs Instagram followers couldnβt believe she had been keeping her relation to Tamzing under wraps, with one writing: βHow did I not know this?!β, while another said: βOmg did not know this!β
However, there was speculation Tamzin is actually cousins with Hollyβs husband, Dan Baldwin, which would make her and Holly cousins-in-law.
A rep for Tamzin confirmed this was the case when contacted by HuffPost UK.
Tamzin is currently gearing up for her on-screen return to βEastEndersβ as Mel Owen.
The character will be back in Walford in the New Year after nearly 16 years away, and teasing her comeback in a recent interview with HuffPost UK, Tamzin claimed Mel is back for βa very serious reasonβ.
βI can tell you sheβs back, but she doesnβt want to be back,β Tamzin said. βSheβs back for a reason, itβs a very serious reason and she needs to get into that Square and do what she needs to do, and get out again.
βUnfortunately, it takes longer than she expects.β
She continued: βShe definitely visits Ian, she definitely visits Phil. She bumps into a few old facesβ¦ Sharon. But really the story doesnβt revolve around those people, the reason sheβs back doesnβt revolve around them at all.β